The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Germany

Considering how to study abroad in Germany? There are so many ways to approach this kind of experience.  

To get you on the right track, we recommend you ask yourself these five questions: 

1. Why do I want to study abroad in Germany? Maybe to experience the culture, or further your German language skills. Maybe it’s to boost your resume or develop practical skills as an international intern. Determine your “why” first and foremost. After that, the rest will start falling into place. 
    
2. How long do I want to go abroad? You may have a lot of flexibility in your schedule, or maybe you don’t. Fortunately, we offer programs that are as short as 20 days, as long as 18 weeks, and a lot of others in between.  
    
3. What program makes the most sense for my goals and degree? You can see the many opportunities we offer by saerching our Germany study abroad programs. Discover what’s right for you! 
    
4. Am I eligible? Different programs have different requirements, such as GPA, language skills, etc. Don’t get your heart set on the program until you explore these requirements. 
    
5. Can I afford it? Our fees go a long way and typically cover tuition, tours, excursions, orientation, on-site support, airport meet-and-greet, and more. We also offer millions of dollars in scholarships and grants each year based on financial need and merit. Your college’s study abroad advisor may also know of other avenues of financial support. Be sure to reach out to them for more information and guidance. 

Best Places to Study Abroad in Germany  

We can’t recommend Berlin enough as an epic study abroad destination. It’s every bit as modern and trendy as it is historically significant. Plus, its public transportation is excellent, green space is abundant, and the city itself is quite affordable, too. 

Study with CIEE in Berlin, and you will also get to experience: 

• Day trips to rich historical sites and the palaces of Potsdam, Hamburg, and Dresden 
• Excursions to the East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the Brandenburg Gate 
• Visits to famous landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum Berlin, and the historic Mitte District 

And we haven’t yet mentioned the cafes, picturesque streets, and fabulous museums and theaters. Those are amazing, too!  

• Passport + a photocopy (just in case) 
• Visa + a photocopy  
• A second form of valid ID (e.g., driver’s license or government-issued ID) 
• Plane tickets  
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of CIEE enrollment 
• Cash (Germany uses the Euro) and a credit card accepted in Germany 

Essential items: 

• Comfortable walking shoes (ideally closed-toe and waterproof) 
• Camera to capture Germany at all angles 
• One nice outfit for special occasions 
• Prescription medications (enough for the stay if possible) 
• Preferred over-the-counter medications 
• Prescription eyewear 
• A reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and use when on the go 
• Travel adapters to charge your tech  
• Sunglasses + sunblock (yes, even in winter!) 

A note about the weather: As you may imagine, German winters can dip below freezing, so be sure to pack warm clothes including sweaters, winter coats, gloves, and a hat. Summers are on the cool side, only reaching into the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range, so bring layers and a light jacket to be safe.  

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!) 

How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Germany? 

Our German programs cost anywhere from $3,650 for January in Berlin to $20,950 for Global Architecture + Design, and many programs in between. But bear in mind, the CIEE fee includes quite a bit. Depending on your program, fees typically cover your: 

• Tuition  
• Housing 
• Pre-departure advising 
• Orientation 
• On-site staff 
• Cultural and co-curricular activities 
• Excursions and study tours 
• Travel protection 
• 24/7 emergency on-site support 

Outside of that, you’ll be responsible for your: 

• International airfare (about $500 - $900, depending on the time of year) 
• Local transportation (about €200 per semester) 
• Books and supplies (varies by program) 
• Visas (€75) 
• Meals (inexpensive eateries and discount markets are readily available) 
• Personal expenses (that’s up to you!) 
• Transcript from CIEE’s School of Record ($500)